First day of spring, though its been spring since about mid-February in Lake Tahoe-Truckee-Reno. Mild weather continues to dominate the pattern here on the Truckee River. We have had some cold nights, and it continues to be cold at night, but daytime highs are in the 50’s in Truckee, and 60’s in Reno. After air temps warm a bit, the fishing is good. You will see a lot of bug activity, but unless it is overcast you will not see to many fish on top. Nymph up on them with stones and some kind of baetis mayfly, or march brown mayfly. Stones such as my Skipper Stone in either golden, or skwala, sz# 6-10, McClouds Brick, sz#6-8, Doug’s Stonedaddy, sz#6-8 and Jan’s Tungstone sz #6-10, should all do the trick. If you noticed those are all commercially tied stones from Truckee-Reno locals and guides. Stones should be a big part of your diet when you fish the Truckee River. There are tons of commercially tied mayfly nymphs that will work well on the T. I like my baetis nymphs black with some flash. March Browns are also active and my two favorites are my own tungsten soft hackle march brown, and Andy Burk’s march brown. Most of these flies you can buy locally, look around at your local Nor Cal, or Reno area fly shop.
